Police arrest suspect in April 3 bomb threat to UConn

Storrs – Police arrested a 21-year-old Wethersfield man Wednesday for his alleged role in an April 3 bomb threat that forced the evacuation of an administrative building on the campus of the University of Connecticut and forced cancellation of morning classes.

UConn police were notified of a threatening phone call made at 9 a.m. on April 3 to a UConn employee at the Tasker Building. Police said the caller indicated there were explosives in the building and he wanted to “kill people.”

The building was evacuated and UConn police issued an emergency notification to the community, warning people to stay away from the area. UConn police secured the building and immediate area and with the assistance of the state police bomb squad, determined there were no explosive devices in the building.

Classes resumed at 12:30 p.m.

UConn Police investigators said they obtained information from internet telecommunication service providers and from social media accounts to identify a group of people who planned and then called in the threat.

Matthew J. Tollis of 33 Chamberlain Road in Wethersfield was charged by warrant with conspiracy to commit first-degree threatening, conspiracy to commit first-degree falsely reporting an incident and conspiracy to commit second-degree breach of peace.

Tollis is not a student at UConn. Police said the investigation is continuing and no further information is being released. Free on bond, Tollis is due to appear Sept. 11 in Rockville Superior Court.